Pastor Bob DuPar
October 20, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Jeremiah 35:1-36:32; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 25:25-27

Observation

“Jonadab son of Recab ordered his sons not to drink wine and this command has been kept. …But I (the Lord) have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed Me.” Jeremiah 35:14

Problem:
“Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from is wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.” Jeremiah 36:3

Response:
“Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes.”
Jeremiah 36:23-24

Result:
“I will punish him (King Jehoiakim of Judah) and his children and his attendants for their wickedness; I will bring on them and those living in Jerusalem and the people of Judah every disaster I pronounced against them, because they have not listened.” Jeremiah 36:31

“The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.” 1 Timothy 5:24-25

“I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take My love from them, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness.”
Psalm 89:32-33

“Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.” Proverbs 25:26-27

Application

What a tragedy when we are better at following “earthly” orders than “heavenly” commands.

God wants so desperately to forgive our wickedness. He stalls punishment, hoping that we will repent and change. Jeremiah 36 is a good example of the costliness of bad leadership. The people wanted to respond to God, but the leadership was unrepentant and therefore incurred judgment on everyone! There is a huge responsibility that goes with leading. Good leadership can lead to a tremendous outcome; bad leadership can produce devastating consequences. This reminds me of yesterday’s verse:

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16

Finally, I thought that Psalm 89 was such a beautiful picture of the balance between God’s justice and love. He punishes us (for our good – and with redemption in mind) and yet He never takes away His love or betrays His faithfulness. This makes me want to be more faithful and obedient to my Savior and Lord!

Prayer

“Lord, help me to be a wise leader. Help me to honor You, to faithfully follow You, and to lead others to You.”